O-bama Rama!

(Photo: Erik Kabik)


In the spirit of Barack Obama winning Illinois!

Oggi Trattoria (1378 W. Grand Ave., 312-733-0442). Chilled-out Italian joint serves up heaping portions of homemade pastas: fettuccine Alfredo, gnocchi and lasagna.

Old Town Brasserie (1209 N. Wells St., 312-943-3000). Serving fabulous French fare; don't miss the Salade Lyonnaise or roasted Australian rack of lamb and Kobe beef.

one sixtyblue (1400 W. Randolph St., 312-850-0303). They've got game too: the boneless Lamb "Wellington," prime Delmonico Steak or the beef tenderloin.

OTOM (951 W. Fulton Market, 312-491-5804). You don't want to miss this mac n' cheese at this fashionable Warehouse District eatery.

Oysy (50 E. Grand Ave., 312-670-6750). Settle into this stylish sushi spot after shopping at nearby Nordstrom. Recs: soft shell crab tempura spider roll or the crispy salmon skin maki.

This reads like a $%^*@# 'chick flick' . . .

Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston star in "The Break-Up," the cult chick flick that will be shown at the "Love Stinks" party at Jbar on Valentine's Day.


. . . or a book of "chick lit," but that's OK because the singles need love too. So that's why Jbar (610 N. Rush, 312-660-7200) is throwing a Love Stinks party—which apparently went so well last year that they decided to do it again!

The bitter bash takes place on Valentine's Day, and as soon as guests arrive they get a freaking voodoo doll to take all those unresolved issues out on. And to kick things up a notch, DJ Jesse de la Pena spins as the ultimate things-gone-wrong flick, "The Break-Up," is shown all over the damn place on the plasma screens.

But all is not lost. Hopefully the party will attract a nice mix of boys and girls because they're awarding an overnight stay at The James (55 E. Ontario St., 312-337-1000) and dinner for two at David Burke's Primehouse (616 N. Rush St., 312-660-6000) to the "Best New Couple" of the night, which is voted on by those in attendance (Best New Couple are two people who meet for the first time at Jbar on Valentine’s Day during the Love Stinks party).

Hey, even if you don't hook up that night, you can take solace in one of these girlie guzzlers, specially designed just for the night:

Anti-Flirt: Champagne, Cointreau, Absolut vodka, pineapple juice served in a martini glass

Blushing Lady: PAMA Liqueur, Roth California vodka, grapefruit juice, splash of grenadine served in a martini glass and garnished with a sugar rim

French Kiss: Kilo Kai rum, Creme de Cassis, orange juice, cranberry juice, Ruinart Rose Champagne served in a martini glass and garnished with an orange slice

Hot & Steamy: Cranberry juice, lime juice, El Tesoro tequila, Grand Marnier served in a martini glass and garnished with a lemon twist

Pucker Up: Cranberry juice, Sambuca white liqueur served in a rocks glass and garnished with a lemon twist

Back in business

Glenn's Diner is open again after a water main break.
(Photo: Yelp Chicago)


Comfort-food fave Glenn's Diner (1820 W. Montrose Ave., 773-506-1720) and other Ravenswood spots finally reopen, says Drive Thru, following that horrific water main break a few weeks ago.

Obama and Clinton ate here

In the spirit of Super Tuesday, Gridskipper takes a look at some favorite local haunts of the two democratic candidates.

Deal of the day . . .

Just in case you don't want in on all the boisterous Fat Tuesday events going on tonight, here's something completely different and way more civilized.

The weekly Cellar Notes session—which occurs every Tuesday—this time spotlights pinot noir from around the world. NoMI advance sommelier Fernando Beteta will lead guests in discovering the wonders of the wine through blind tastings. The open-house style event takes place tonight 5:30-7:30pm at NoMI's Cellar on the seventh floor, 800 N. Michigan Ave. Call 312-239-4030. $30.

Josh Kelley returns with national CD release bash

(Photo: MBaker Photography)


Rocker Josh Kelley kicks off the national release of his fourth CD, Special Company, with an exclusive show at Rockit Bar and Grill (22 W. Hubbard St., 866-468-3401) on Feb. 7.

It's hosted by club owner Billy Dec, and there's word that Kelley's brand-new bride—red-hot TV and movie star Katherine Heigl (of "Grey's Anatomy," "Knocked Up" and "27 Dresses" fame)—may be in the front row (!!!).

Tickets are $35, and includes drink specials and admission to the after-party at Underground (56 W. Illinois St.). Doors open at 6pm.

A fabulous Fat Tuesday

When it comes to Mardi Gras season, Chicagoans celebrate it like they're in the heart of the Bayou. On Fat Tuesday (Feb. 5), get those beads ready and get you butt to:

Brasserie JO (59 W. Hubbard St., 312-595-0800) for complimentary beignets for all dinner guests. From 5-10pm, you can enjoy the traditional apple, donut-like dessert that originated in New Orleans.

Cafe Selmarie (4729 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-989-5595) for a special lunch and dinner menu celebrating the occasion, including a Cajun chicken Caesar salad, shrimp Po' Boy sandwich, blackened catfish wrap and spicy Creole jambalaya. 5-10pm.

Fat Cat (4840 N. Broadway, 773-506-3100) for what is certain to be a raucous event. The new, retro-style lounge will have an all-you-can-eat buffet with oyster Po' Boys, jambalaya, Mardi Gras King cake and more for only $9.99. Also, beer and drink specials; those in Mardi Gras costumes will have the chance to enter a contest. Partial proceeds from the party will benefit Brad Pitt’s "Make It Right Foundation," which is helping displaced Hurricane Katrina victims with housing. 9pm-2am.

Green Dolphin Street's (2200 N. Ashland Ave., 773-395-0066) Boom Boom Room, Mardi Gras style (on Monday, Feb. 4!). Hosted by Music 101, Chicagopride.com and Crunch Fitness, the Big Easy Masquerade Ball will have Kafele Bandele on the trumpet, plus deejays Diz, Just Joey, Uncle Milty and others spinning the usual deep, underground house. Drink specials: $5 Stoli cocktails and $3 Budweisers. And those who dress in festive, Mardi Gras attire get in free; $10 without. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana as they celebrate 25 years of service to the community. 10pm-4am.

Heaven on Seven where all three locations will get in the holiday's spirit with an authentic Mardi Gras vibe, including decor, Zydeco bands, on-site face painting, and Lousiana-style dinner specials. Also, you cannot get out of Heaven on Seven without gulping down a few Hurricanes—a potent blend of several rums and juice. And being down with all things Louisiana, owner/chef Jimmy Bannos is donating a percentage of his Mardi Gras proceeds to the continued efforts to revive the city of New Orleans. Locations: 111 N. Wabash Ave., 312-263-6443; 600 N. Michigan Ave., 312-280-7774; 224 S. Main Street, Naperville, 630-717-0777.

Redfish (400 N. State St., 312-467-1600), where revelers snap up seats before work is even over. I know some people who rush out of the office by 3pm to the restaurant's Voodoo Lounge, where an authentic Zydeco band performs until closing. No drink specials, but the Hurricanes here are notoriously strong.

Room21 (2110 S. Wabash Ave., 312-328-1198) for a party with live jazz by Carlos Cannon, specialty cocktails and a Mardi Gras-themed three course menu for $29.

Zocalo's (358 W. Ontario St., 312-302-9977) Mexican Mardi Gras 'Mardes Gordo' from 5:30-10:30pm. They're adding another dish to their standard $25 prix-fixe menu (In addition to choosing any appetizer, entrée and dessert off the regular menu, for one day only patrons may choose an additional soup or salad from the menu for no extra charge.) Also, get the Zocalo Margarita for $5.

Deal of the day. . .

Laid-back Ukrainian Village tavern High Dive (1938 W. Chicago Ave., 773-235-3483) gets a nod for its fantastic daily drink and dinner specials. Loungy, with a sporty vibe (two flatscreens over the bar are always tuned into the biggest games), the spot draws a steady neighborhood crowd in the evenings. Every Monday they're doing somewhat of a Mexican theme with $2 steak or chicken tacos, $3 Coronas and $5 Cazadores margaritas.

Muy Bueno!